Helping A Work Buddy Decide on His First Firearm

[jaybet]

I work with a young guy who, after all this anti-gun hoo-ha and living through some of the worst of Sandy, is anticipating his "permission paperwork" from the great state of NJ any day now. He's been talking hand guns, and I have really enjoyed feeding him information without trying to impose MY likes on him. I have explained some things about ammo, revolver vs pistol, striker vs hammer, corrected the "Clip-magazine" thing, and have made some suggestions for pistols based on what he says he wants, although I think he's going totally on looks. We'll see.

Anyway, it's fun to watch and help someone slowly move out of the sheep herd.

[fightingquaker13]

Up there I might steer him towards a .357. That way he isn't going to have to worry about some sort of retroactive ban.

[tombogan03884]

Steer him toward a Glock.
That way he has a vested interest in making sure there is no "retroactive ban" .

[TAB]

have him shoot a bunch of guns and see what he likes.

[fatbaldguy]

IMO, and worth what it costs, take him to the range with  your revolvers and pistols.  He buys some ammunition.  He shoots your revolvers and pistols.  Maybe he rents a couple others.  He decides what 'fits'.  If'n it don't fit, he won't shoot, carry, use it.

Personally, I'd steer him toward 1911's, Hi-Powers, and Ruger revolvers.  A CZ 75 would be a sweet first pistol.

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[Magoo541]

Encourage him to seek further training than what is required by law.  Books, DVDs and classes all have their place in our non-sheeple lives and without training he's just a sheep with a gun.

[Ichiban]

The usual advice:
- Figure out what the gun will be used for.  That should weed out some of the choices.
- If possible, go to a range that does rentals.
- Go to a gun store and handle as many as possible to find out which one fits his hand the best.
- Take him shooting with your guns.
- Make sure he gets basic safety and handling training.

I took a newbie coworker to the range recently to let her shoot a variety of models.  Started with the .22lr and worked our way up to the 10mm but spent most of the time in 9mm land.  She was surprised that she was most accurate and liked shooting the 9mm 1911 the most.  The single stack fit her hand better and it was heavy enough to absorb most of the recoil.

[fightingquaker13]

Whatever works. There is no best gun, just the one thats best for you.

[Ulmus]

Damn.  All great suggestions.  I have nothing to say but thanks for helping out a newbie and getting him started the right way.   

[alfsauve]

And bringing up the rear here with ideas...

All great suggestions above, but let me repeat one:  What's the intended usage?  Maybe yor friend doesn't even know at this point.  Go over ideas to help get an idea.

Concealed carry:  guessing No in NJ, so compacts and sub-compacts are low priority.

Hunting:  from your description of him again No, so rule out long barrel revolvers and .50AE

Home defense:  rather broad, but full size guns very applicable.  Revolvers a good choice with custom loads.  Think Judge/Govenor.

Competition:  make sure gun qualifies.  USPSA Production gun may not qual for IDPA.  Glock required for GSSF.  Etc etc etc

Just for fun:  eh. Not my favorite category. I think people tire of shooting without purpose at some point.  But here anything goes as in "When you have no destination, you can never be lost."